lactic

adjective

lac·​tic ˈlak-tik How to pronounce lactic (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to milk
b
: obtained from sour milk or whey
2
: involving the production of lactic acid

Examples of lactic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Esters, organic compounds formed when acids, typically lactic or acetic, react with alcohol, contribute to floral, fruity, and tropical aromas, especially banana, pineapple, and pear. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 Comparing sauerkraut with cabbage, the study authors showed that sauerkraut has more metabolites — the products produced during metabolic processes like digestion, including those that are linked to a healthy gut, like lactic and amino acids — than cabbage. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025 The formula pairs 15% pure vitamin C with 10% hydroxy acids (specifically, glycolic and lactic) to gently exfoliate—making way for clearer, smoother skin sans blemishes, enlarged pores, and fine lines. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025 This legendary peel combines salicylic acid with AHAs—glycolic, mandelic, lactic, citric, and malic acids—for a treatment that’s effective, yet gentle enough to use daily. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lactic

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of lactic was in 1790

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Cite this Entry

“Lactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactic. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

lactic

adjective
lac·​tic ˈlak-tik How to pronounce lactic (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to milk
b
: obtained from sour milk or whey
2
: involving the production of lactic acid
lactic fermentation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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